ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Christian Apachito, 28, of Tohajiilee, New Mexico, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced to 67 months in prison for sexual abuse of a minor. According to court documents, Apachito sexually assaulted a victim who was older than 12 and younger than 16 on November 11, 2020.
Apachito pled guilty to the charges on February 15, 2023. In his plea agreement, he acknowledged that he was aware of the victim’s minor status at the time of the assault. During sentencing, the court estimated a sentencing range of 135 to 168 months in prison, considering Apachito’s use of force during the assault.
While the United States had recommended a 144-month sentence, Apachito received a 67-month prison term along with ten years of supervised release. He is required to register as a sex offender upon his release.
The case was investigated by the FBI Albuquerque Field Office and assisted by the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Bell prosecuted the case.